Dear GAA Families,

As we approach the end of term (December 15th), GAA is busy with activity and excitement. 

In the Arts, the High School Musical production of Rodger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella is currently running, with the final performance scheduled for Saturday, December 9, at 1:00 pm. Additionally the Elementary choir and Secondary band will showcase their talents in scheduled concerts to close out the term. We support and congratulate our student artists and their teachers for all their dedication and hard work.

In Athletics, the second season has begun and our soccer, basketball, cross country, track and field, tennis, and swim teams have begun league play. It is inspiring to see so many of our students further developing lifelong skills and habits in our extra-curricular program.

Academically, project-based learning has been an intentional focus providing students with hands on, engaging experiences that foster creativity and critical thinking. We will continue into the next term incorporating projects that allow students to use their skills and learning in meaningful ways that impact their communities.

I want to express my gratitude to each member of our school community. This year, like every other, has presented unique challenges for students as they grow and learn. I am grateful for the way that faculty, staff, students, and parents have responded when faced with adversity, and with our community commitment to prioritizing students’ learning and well-being.

With one more week of school before winter break, it is a good time to reflect on the challenges and find support in the shared accomplishments. I wish all members of our GAA community a happy and peaceful break with family and friends.

Warm Regards,

Robert Rinaldo

Dear Families,

The last day of this term is next Friday December 15th. Our Winter Break will start on December 18th. School will resume on Tuesday January 2, 2024. Please view below calendar for 2023-2024 School year.

Our Admin offices (Admissions, Accounts, Bus) will remain open during winter break (excluding public holidays) from 8:00 to 2:00 pm.

Fostering Winter Break Learning Adventures

Dear Parents,

As we approach the winter break (Dec 18-Jan 1), I want to share some insights on how you can continue to support your child's learning during this time away from the structured learning environment. The break offers a unique opportunity for families to come together and create memorable learning experiences. 

• For our younger students (ages 3-8), consider turning everyday activities into educational adventures, such as storytelling, counting games, or simple science experiments. Explore local museums, parks, or historical sites to spark curiosity. 

• For older students (ages 9-18), empower them to take the lead in planning a family activity, fostering both leadership skills and the exploration of personal interests. Encourage documenting these experiences through a journal or blog to enhance writing and or video editing skills.

Maintaining a flexible routine during the break can help students stay engaged without sacrificing the enjoyment of their time off. Dedicate a specific time each day for reading, tailoring it to your child's interests and age. Additionally, leverage digital resources like educational apps and websites to make learning interactive and enjoyable. Younger students can benefit from apps focusing on early literacy and numeracy, while older students may explore online courses or educational podcasts aligned with their academic interests.

To prevent the winter slide, encourage your child to practice key skills: 

• For math, integrate real-world problem-solving into daily activities like cooking or budgeting for family events. 

• For language arts, engage in collaborative storytelling or have older students write reflective essays about their break experiences. 

• Foster a sense of teamwork by embarking on a collaborative family project, whether it's creating a scrapbook or building a model of a historical landmark. Such projects promote creativity and strengthen communication and problem-solving skills.

As the 2023 year comes to a close, take time to reflect on your child's accomplishments and growth. Discuss goals for the upcoming year, setting both academic and personal objectives. For older students, this is an excellent opportunity to explore potential career interests and research related educational pathways.

By incorporating these tips into your holiday plans, you can maintain a positive connection to learning and set the stage for a successful return to school. Wishing you a joyful and enriching winter break with your loved ones!

Justin Kirby

K-12 Director of Curriculum and Instruction

If you missed the parent info session on Standardized Tests in GAA, please view below presentations.

if you have any questions, feel free to contact:

• Justin Kirby, K-12 Director of Curriculum at j.kirby_gaa@gemsedu.com

• David Dasari, Secondary Curriculum Coordinator at d.dasari_gaa@gemsedu.com

Last month Arabic Department held an information session for our parents on:

• Supporting the Arabic language curriculum in developing the language skills of our students, 

• how to apply and follow up with students, and 

• its importance in evaluation and academic achievement.

If you missed the presentation, please see below document for your attention.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Reem Al Takruri Sharaf at r.altakrurisha_gaa@gemsedu.com.

GEMS CO-BRANDED CREDIT CARD

GEMS American Academy has partnered with First Abu Dhabi Bank to offer our parents discounted school fees*. 

• Apply for your GEMS card with FAB and avail amazing discount and instalment plan on your child's school fee

• Avail up to 4.25% discount on advanced payment on GEMS school fee

• Convert school fees into Easy Payment Plan for up to 12 months 

Fee discount structure below.

Apply through our School Assigned Staff:

• Amjad Nazir

• Mobile: +971564010406

• Email: Amjad.nazir@bankfab.com

*Terms and conditions apply

PHOTOGRAPHY CONSENT

Dear GAA Families, 

Occasionally, we take photographs and videos of the students at school. We use these images as part of our school displays, school website, social media, yearbook.

Note: Official school photoshoot by Stu Williamson is mandatory and to be used in school records for identification purposes. Parents can choose to purchase the printed or digital photograph from the photoshoot. Stu Williamson photos are used for school yearbook.

• In Social Media or Website, if we use photographs of individual students, we will not use the name of that child in the accompanying text or caption.

• In Social Media or Website, If we name a student in the text, we will not use a photograph of that child to accompany the article.

• In Social Media or Website, If a student has won an award or achieved an accomplishment and parent would like the name of their child to accompany the picture, we will obtain permission from the parent before using the image.

• From time to time, our school may be visited by the media who will take photographs or film footage of a school event. Students may appear in these images, which will sometimes be published in local or national newspapers (digital or paper). 

To comply with the Data Protection Policy and Federal Law No. 5 of 2012 on Combatting Cybercrimes and its amendment by the Federal Law No. 12 of 2016 of UAE, we need your permissions before we can photograph or make any recording of your child.

Our records show that not all parents completed the consent form.

To complete the consent form, please access your parent Portal, and check the relevant boxes:

1. If using GEMS Connect app: please go to Student Info, scroll right to General Consent and tick relevant boxes. 

2. If using website version on http://connect.gemseducation.com, please go to Requests, scroll down to Update Student Details, scroll right to General Consent and tick the relevant boxes.

3. If you do not remember your login credentials, please contact pre_gaa@gemsedu.com.  

HEALTH FORMS FOR GAA CLINIC

A kind reminder on the importance of submitting the forms and documents.

Consent form needed:

• BMI-Vision Screening Consent Form : KG1 till Grade 12

• Student health form  : Pre KG till Grade 12

• Comprehensive health screening consent form : Grade 1, Grade 5 and Grade 9 (see detailed information below)

• Vaccination consent forms : Grade 1, Grade 8 and Grade 11 

Please look out for an email from Nurse GAA nurse_gaa@gemsedu.com with the necessary consent forms.

LOST AND FOUND

Please visit our Lost and Found sections from Monday through Thursday between 7:30AM to 4:30PM and Fridays 7:30 - 12:00 (except on public holidays) to retrieve your child's lost items:

• On the way to Clinic: all clothing items, lunch bags, books, folders, water bottles, etc

• Main reception: all valuables, such as, phones, headphones, airpods, ipads, jewellry, wallets, etc.

Any unclaimed items will be donated to charity.

Please label all clothing items of your child.

• December 9: Last Show of Musical "Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella: Youth Edition" @1pm.

• December 10: Secondary Band Winter Concert at Al Forsan Mall @5pm

• December 11: Grade 6 Sports Day

• December 12: Grade 7 Sports Day

• December 12: Band 1 Concert in the Auditorium @6pm

• December 13: Grade 8 Sports Day

• December 14: Grade 9 Sports Day

• December 15: Last day of Term 1. PreK-Grade 5 Dress Down Theme: Pajama Day

• December 18-January 1: WINTER BREAK (NO SCHOOL)